Abstract: A method of analysing a foodstuff sample using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, comprises: ashing the foodstuff sample to generate an ash residue; and forming the ash residue into a layered pellet based on: loading at least the portion of the ash residue into a die, loading a support material into the die as a layer covering a second surface of the portion of the ash residue subsequently to loading at least the portion of the ash residue into the die, and compressing the portion of the ash residue and the support material in the die to form the layered pellet, such that a first surface of the portion of the ash residue at least partially defines the first surface of the layered pellet and the portion of the ash residue is undiluted by the support material at least at the first surface of the portion of the ash residue.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a detection device includes: a planar detection device including photodetection elements arranged in a planar configuration; a light source device disposed so as to face the planar detection device; and a light-transmitting placement substrate that is disposed between the planar detection device and the light source device and configured to allow objects to be placed thereon. The planar detection device includes: a detection area where sensor pixels including the photodetection elements are arranged in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a drive circuit configured to simultaneously supply drive signals to the sensor pixels arranged in the first direction; and a selection circuit configured to select a detection signal for each of the sensor pixels arranged in the second direction. The detection area is divided in the second direction into detection blocks. The drive circuit is provided for each detection block.

Abstract: An immersion probe (1) for the quantitative and/or qualitative analysis of a fluid (F), e.g., a liquid or a gas, using light which is guided through the fluid (F) along a light path (L), comprising a measuring head (10) suitable for immersion in the fluid, having an input light guide (14) for the light guided to the fluid (F), which input light guide can be connected to a light source, and an output light guide (15) for the light guided out of the fluid (F), which output light guide can be connected to a detector, a first and a second optical window, the mutually facing faces of which are in contact with the fluid, and at least one light deflection device (17, 18), which is arranged in the light path of the light exiting the input light guide (14) and entering the output light guide (15) and deflects the light coming from the input light guide (14) through the first optical window into the fluid and deflects the light coming from the fluid to the output light guide (15).

Abstract: A side surface inspection device is provided for a cylindrical battery having a side surface defining a first region and a second region as a remainder of the side surface. The device includes a first light to emit light to the side surface of the cylindrical battery; a first mirror and a second mirror on respective sides of the cylindrical battery to each reflect light from respective portions of the first region of the cylindrical battery; and a camera to capture a first image from the light reflected by the first mirror, and to capture a second image from the light reflected by the second mirror. The first region of the cylindrical battery is more than half of the side surface of the cylindrical battery. The first and second images corresponds to a full region of the first region of the cylindrical battery.

Abstract: A measurement system for use in measuring parameters of a patterned sample, the system including a broadband light source, an optical system configured as an interferometric system, a detection unit, and a control unit, where the interferometric system defines illumination and detection channels having a sample arm and a reference arm having a reference reflector, and is configured for inducing an optical path difference between the sample and reference arms, the detection unit for detecting a combined light beam formed by a light beam reflected from the reflector and a light beam propagating from a sample's support, and generating measured data indicative of spectral interference pattern formed by spectral interference signatures, and the control unit for receiving the measured data and applying a model-based processing to the spectral interference pattern for determining one or more parameters of the pattern in the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moisture sensor (10) comprising an electromagnetically shielding sensor housing (1) and a microstrip (4) arranged therein as well as at least one coaxial cable (3, 5) each having an inner conductor (3A, 5A) electrically connected to the microstrip (4) and an outer conductor (3B, 5B) electrically connected to the sensor housing (1), wherein the microstrip (4) and the at least one coaxial cable (3, 5) are arranged to conduct microwaves with a frequency (f) in a frequency band (?f) which covers at least part of the microwave range of between 10 megahertz (MHz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz), the sensor housing (1) is configured as a cavity resonator with a resonant frequency (fR1, fR2, fR3) within the frequency band (?f) and shielding for the frequency band (?f) and has openings (2) which establish a hygric contact between the interior and the environment (U) of the sensor housing (1) that is sufficient for moisture equalization, and wherein moisture-storing material is provided in the interi

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for a handheld x-ray system including a stand alone detector panel. The system includes a handheld instrument with a high energy x-ray source (120 keV or greater). The detector panel includes a wireless communication system employed to transmit x-ray images that are captured by the panel to the handheld instrument where they are displayed in substantially real time. The handheld instrument also includes a camera and a set of line lasers that are employed together to align the x-ray beam emitted from the instrument with the object being scanned.

Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray Talbot imaging apparatus for nondestructive inspection, the apparatus including: a radiation source; a subject table; a plurality of gratings; and a radiation detector. The radiation source, the subject table, the plurality of gratings, and the radiation detector are provided in order side by side in a radiation irradiation axis direction, the plurality of gratings include at least a first grating and a second grating in order from a grating close to the subject table, and an object that absorbs visible light is placed between the first grating and a subject.

Abstract: An inspection system, including: a carrying device; at least one ray source and a detector assembly. When the at least one ray source is located at one of scanning positions relative to the carrying device, the at least one ray source and the detector assembly are lifted or lowered along the rotation axis relative to the carrying device and the at least one ray source emits X-rays. After the at least one ray source and the detector assembly are lifted or lowered a predetermined distance relative to the carrying device, the at least one ray source rotates around the rotation axis relative to the carrying device to another one of scanning positions. The inspection system further reconstructs a three-dimensional scanning image of the object to be inspected based on detection data of the detector assembly.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an inspection system, comprising: a radiation source; a radiation detector including an imaging array; a support structure configured to maintain a spatial relationship between the radiation source and the radiation detector; a motion control system configured to move an object relative to the radiation detector; control logic configured to: control the motion control system to move the object relative to the radiation detector; and combine data from multiple frames from the radiation detector as the object moves relative to the radiation detector into a single image.

Abstract: A detector assembly of an X-ray system, the detector assembly includes: (a) an optical sensor having a first surface, the optical sensor configured to receive optical radiation impinging on the first surface, and to produce an electrical signal responsively to the optical radiation, (b) a fiber optic plate (FOP) disposed over the first surface of the optical sensor, the FOP includes: (i) one or more optical fibers disposed at an acute angle relative to a normal to the first surface, the one or more optical fibers are configured to convey the optical radiation to the optical sensor, and (ii) a second surface, which is oblique to the first surface, and (c) a scintillator layer disposed on the second surface of the FOP and configured to convert an X-ray beam into the optical radiation.

Abstract: To provide an analysis method that can analyze a crystal structure, a crystal morphology, a crystal distribution of a rubber material in stretching even in a local portion of the rubber material. The present disclosure relates to a method of analyzing a crystal structure, a crystal morphology, or a crystal distribution of a rubber material in stretching using a nanodiffraction imaging technique that analyzes an electron diffraction pattern acquired by scanning electron beams converged to a diameter of 100 nm or less on a surface of the rubber material while a behavior of stretching deformation of the rubber material and/or a state of the rubber material in stretching are observed using a transmission electron microscope.

Abstract: An X-ray analyzer is provided with an excitation source configured to irradiate a sample with an excitation beam, an analyzing crystal configured to diffract characteristic X-rays emitted from the sample irradiated with the excitation beam for each wavelength, a line detector having a plurality of detection elements each arranged to detect an intensity of each of the plurality of wavelengths diffracted by the analyzing crystal, a slit arranged between the sample and the analyzing crystal, an actuator configured to move the slit in a direction intersecting a propagation direction of the characteristic X-rays passing through the slit, and a controller. The controller analyzes the sample using a measurement result when the slit is in an initial position and a measurement result when the slit has been moved from the initial position by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A system and method for denoising a grey scale image of a pattern on a substrate, including: scanning a gaussian beam consecutively across scanlines extending along an x direction, wherein the scan lines are disposed adjacent to each other in a y direction within a predetermined region of the pattern, obtaining waveforms from secondary electrons and backscattered electrons reflected from the scanned pattern; converting the waveforms into a grey scale image, and applying a gaussian weighted distribution for each of the scan lines of the grey scale image and the neighboring scan lines of the grey scale image to account for the impact of the neighboring scan lines to each scan line.

Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence spectrometer includes: a vacuum chamber (17) configured to be evacuated including at least a detection chamber in which a detector is disposed; drive units (18A to 18H) each including a drive source outside the vacuum chamber (17), and configured to perform a mechanical operation in the vacuum chamber (17); and a vacuum leakage location identification unit (23A, 23B) configured to: operate the drive units (18A to 18H) one at a time while monitoring a degree of vacuum in the vacuum chamber (17); if the change in the degree of vacuum in the vacuum chamber (17) before and after each operation is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, identify the relevant one of the drive units (18A to 18H) as a vacuum leakage location; and cause information to that effect to be displayed in a display unit (19) and/or be recorded in a recording unit (21).

Abstract: A method may include determining a thermal signal for a thermal analysis of a rock sample. The method may further include transmitting various commands to various thermal sources to produce various heat emissions. A respective command among the commands may cause a respective thermal source among the thermal sources to produce a respective heat emission based on the thermal signal. The method further includes determining distributed temperature data of the rock sample using various distributed temperature sensors in response to producing the heat emissions. The distributed temperature sensors may be coupled to the rock sample on a first rock surface and a second rock surface. The first rock surface may be on an opposite side of the rock sample from the second rock surface. The method may further include determining predicted thermal property data of the rock sample using the distributed temperature data and a machine-learning model.

Abstract: An exemplary cellular analysis system and method are disclosed that can determine epithelial cell membrane properties by fitting electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements to (i) an intracellular circuit model having electrical property parameters of the epithelial cell membrane properties, including the apical, basolateral, and shunt pathways or (ii) an extracellular circuit model. The exemplary cellular analysis system and method can be used to measure membrane properties of epithelial electrophysiology that can beneficially be used to assess for transport dysfunction and/or evaluate cellular drug responses in disease models. An exemplary cellular analysis system and method are disclosed that can determine the polarization of epithelial cells in response to stimuli as a time-constant impedance-associated ratio (tau ratio) that can be used in a massively parallel screening system for drug discovery.

Abstract: A probe provides one end of an electrically conductive path with a ground stake defining a second end. The probe is supported on a tip of a cable rotatably supported by a snake, with the snake including a conductor routed toward the ground stake. A spool can optionally be located between the conductor and the ground stake. A voltage source and a current sensor are located upon said electrically conductive path. The probe is fed by action of the snake along an underground pipe to be scanned. The current sensor senses current flow between the probe within the underground pipe and the ground stake. Analysis of the current flowing in this electric circuit allows for determining if underground pipe material includes lead, based at least partially on electrical conductivity of pipe segments through which the probe passes.

Abstract: A hydrogen detection method is a method performed using a hydrogen sensor that includes: a metal oxide layer; a second electrode that is in surface contact with the metal oxide layer; a first terminal connected to the second electrode; and a second terminal connected to the second electrode. The hydrogen detection method includes: applying a first voltage pulse between the first terminal and the second terminal to cause a chemical reaction of the metal oxide layer to hydrogen; and applying a second voltage pulse between the first terminal and the second terminal after the applying of the first voltage pulse, to detect a change in resistance between the first terminal and the second terminal. The amplitude of the second voltage pulse is smaller than the amplitude of the first voltage pulse.

Abstract: Provided are an oil condition determination system and an oil condition determination method that are capable of continuously determining the oil condition when oil is partially replaced or oil is added. An oil condition determination system includes a measurement unit and a determination unit. The measurement unit periodically measures a resistance value of oil. The determination unit periodically determines a condition of the oil based on the resistance value, stores a local maximum value of the resistance value, determines that the condition of the oil has changed when a difference between the local maximum value and the resistance value becomes greater than or equal to a first threshold value, and initializes the local maximum value and updates the first threshold value when the amount of change in the resistance value per unit time becomes greater than or equal to a second threshold value.

Abstract: A reference electrode assembly installable in an electrical energy storage device; the reference electrode comprising a planar main body, which comprises in turn: a first electronically insulating layer; a second electronically insulating layer facing and parallel to the first electronically insulating layer; a planar, porous reference electrode, which is entirely interposed between the first electrically insulating layer and the second electrically insulating layer; wherein the reference electrode comprises in turn: a first part of active material, namely a metal ion intercalating/deintercalating material; a second part of graphene-based conductive component; a third part of binding component;

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system, method, and device for determining an individual's comprehensive state of health in real time. The invention described herein provides a more effective capacity for the early detection of disease by reading both volatile and non-volatile organic compounds simultaneously. This invention enables researchers, medical professionals, or users to fully understand the physiology of the individuals' samples being examined to include both signatures associated with a specific disease and the conditions which suggest an early preventive intervention or modulation of therapy is advised. Because this invention provides a completely non-invasive testing capability, it is ideally suited for longitudinal studies and continuous monitoring in the clinic.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a field effect transistor (FET) device. The FET device includes a semiconductor channel. Additionally, the FET device includes a first gate dielectric in contact with the semiconductor channel. Further, the FET device includes a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure. The MIM structure includes a liner comprising a first metal, an insulator, and a second metal. The first metal is in contact with the first gate dielectric. Additionally, the insulator is in contact with the first metal and the second metal. Further, the FET device includes a floating gate. The floating gate includes the first metal and an extension. Additionally, the extension is disposed to one side of the MIM structure, and includes a surface for sensing a sample in contact with the surface.

Abstract: A method for nucleic acid sequencing includes receiving a plurality of signals indicative of a parameter measured for a plurality of defined spaces, at least some of the defined spaces including one or more sample nucleic acids, the signals being responsive to a plurality of nucleotide flows introducing nucleotides to the defined spaces; determining, for at least some of the defined spaces, whether the defined space includes a sample nucleic acid; processing, for at least some of the defined spaces determined to include a sample nucleic acid, the received signals to improve a quality of the received signals; and predicting a plurality of nucleotide sequences corresponding to respective sample nucleic acids for the defined spaces based on the processed signals and the nucleotide flows.

Abstract: A method of target molecule detection includes simultaneously obtaining a first signal from a first working electrode and a second signal from a second working electrode, wherein the first signal is responsive to interaction of the first recognition element with the target molecule in a sample, and the second signal is indicative of background noise from the sample. The method further includes generating a modified signal that is proportional to an instantaneous difference between the first and second signals, wherein the modified signal indicates an amount of the target molecule present in the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed to improve performance of ion mobility separation. Deleterious bend effects are counteracted by adjusting phase shifts between adjoining traveling wave sections at bends; superior trajectories and performance are achieved. Improvements are also achieved by arranging serpentine paths primarily along a lengthwise direction of a substrate, thereby reducing the number of bends. An ion mobility spectrometers is coupled to a mass spectrometer, and intermittent traveling waves improve sample utilization or reduce total time required for combined ion analysis with both modalities.

Abstract: A liquid-facing crystal surface of a crystal of a quartz crystal microbalance assembly is flush mounted with respect to an inner surface of a wall of a laboratory-scale equipment for purposes of measuring particle deposition from a liquid under high shear conditions. The side(s) of the crystal does not bond with a side wall of a hole formed in the wall of the equipment or with a side wall of a housing or support member, so as to allow un-impeded shear oscillation of a liquid-facing crystal surface relative to a dry-facing crystal surface of the crystal in a thickness shear mode of operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nondestructive detection system and a method for an internal defect of a fruit. The system comprises an aluminum profile frame, a conveyor belt, a tray, a pulse type gas spray device, and a laser Doppler vibrometer; when a piece of fruit passes a detection station, the pulse type gas spray device excites the fruit to vibrate, and the laser Doppler vibrometer evaluates a vibration response signal of the fruit; a time-domain vibration characteristic parameter and a frequency-domain vibration characteristic parameter are acquired by means of a wavelet transform and a fast Fourier transform; and a prediction model for an internal defect of the fruit is established on the basis of the acquired time-domain and frequency-domain vibration characteristic parameters.

Abstract: A method of determining one or more properties of a sample, comprising: determining, at a plurality of generation sites of the sample, a plurality of acoustic velocity measurements, the plurality of acoustic velocity measurements using different acoustic propagation directions; and determining a best fit elasticity for the acoustic velocity measurements at different acoustic propagation directions at the plurality of generation sites, wherein determining a best fit elasticity comprises assuming a common elasticity for the plurality of generation sites while allowing crystallographic orientation to vary.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributed physical parameter measurements of the surrounding environment is disclosed. The apparatus can include a waveguide with an elongated body configured with three gratings along the body where each of the three gratings is configured to fully or partially reflect an acoustic wave on the waveguide at a different frequency than the other gratings of the three gratings. Further, each of the three gratings can comprise discontinuities in the grating configured to reflect one or more frequencies of acoustic waves, and each of the discontinuities for each of the three gratings has an internal geometry configured according to fractions of an acoustic wave's frequency and corresponding wavelength.

Abstract: A measuring assembly with a mechanical excitation device that excites the metal belt of a transport device at an excitation frequency (fA) to produce mechanical vibrations. The measuring assembly has a metal plate that faces the metal belt. The metal plate is equipped with sensor elements which are offset relative to one another when viewed in the belt width direction with which measurement signals (MA) that characterize the amplitude (A) of the excited mechanical vibrations are detected for corresponding regions of the metal belt. The sensor elements protrude beyond the upper face of the metal plate and up to the metal belt. A cover for the measuring assembly that is made of an electrically insulating material covers the sensor elements on the upper face thereof, and laterally seals the sensor elements.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for characterizing and quantifying composite laminate structures. The embodiments take a composite laminate of unknown ply stack composition and sequence and determine various information about the individual plies, such as ply stack, orientation, microstructure, and type. The embodiments distinguish between weave types that exhibit similar planar stiffness behaviors, but produce different failure mechanisms. Individual ply information is then used to derive the laminate bulk properties from externally provided constitutive properties of the fiber and matrix, including extensional stiffness, bending-extension coupling stiffness, bending stiffness, and the like. The laminate bulk properties are then used to generate a probabilistic failure envelope for the composite laminate. In some embodiments, ply stack type and sequence are also determined for a curved composite laminate using the disclosed embodiments by adding a rotational stage.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for characterizing and quantifying composite laminate structures. The method and system take a composite laminate of unknown ply stack composition and sequence and determine various information about the individual plies, such as ply stack, orientation, microstructure, and type. The method and system distinguishes between weave types that exhibit similar planar stiffness behaviors, but which produce different failure mechanisms. Individual ply information then is used to derive the laminate bulk properties from externally provided constitutive properties of the fiber and matrix, including extensional stiffness, bending-extension coupling stiffness, bending stiffness, and the like. The laminate bulk properties are then used to generate a probabilistic failure envelope for the composite laminate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chromatographic separation column assembly (100) comprising a column cylinder (120) having a cylinder wall (126) including an inner wall surface (124) partially defining a column volume (50), and a column component (110/130) insertable into to the cylinder (120), wherein at least an edge region (113/133) of the column component is intended to be in contact or adjacent a part of the inner wall surface (124) in use, the edge region and the contacting or adjacent part of inner wall surface each being formed from a compatible heat fusible material or materials, and wherein at least the cylinder wall in the area of the contacting or adjacent part of the inner wall is formed from a material which allows transmission of the light energy needed to cause said fusing of the adapter plate edge region to the inner wall surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are scientific instrument support systems, as well as related methods, computing devices, and computer-readable media. In one example, an automated method performed via a computing device for providing scientific instrument support comprises: transferring portions of a data structure acquired with detectors of a scientific instrument to a client device, the data structure being stored in a data storage connected via a network to the computing device; identifying parts of the data structure based on a data-access pattern in a sequence of data requests; downloading the parts from the data storage to the storage device locally connected to the computing device; and switching a data transfer path for the client device from being end-connected to the data storage to being end-connected to the storage device when a requested portion of the data structure is in the parts downloaded to the storage device via the computing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oven (1, 1?) for an analytical system, in particular for a titration system and especially for a Karl Fischer titration system. The oven (1, 1?) comprises a housing, an insulation system (2a, 2a?, 2b, 2b?, 2c, 2c?) and an insert (3, 3?) for a sample vessel. The insulation system (2a, 2a?, 2b, 2b?, 2c, 2c?) is arranged at least partially around the insert (3, 3?). At least one heating element is arranged between the insulation system (2a, 2a?, 2b, 2b?, 2c, 2c?) and the insert (3, 3?) and at least partially surrounding the insert (3, 3?). The invention also relates to a titration system with such an oven (1, 1?) and a titration method.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method of reproducing individual puffs based on empirical data collected by a plurality of electronic vaping devices during use of the vaping devices by users to inhale vapors. The method involves receiving, over a communication network for each of the plurality of electronic vaping devices: (i) reservoir information indicative of a configuration of a reservoir storing a liquid that is at least partially converted into the vapor, and (ii) a plurality of operational parameters for each of a plurality of puffs drawn by the users. The operational parameters include a first operational parameter measured by a sensor system provided to the respective electronic vaping device. An evaluation vaping device is controlled to reproduce a puff by generating a vapor based on the received reservoir information and the received plurality of operational parameters in effect during the puff that is being reproduced.

Abstract: An embodiment device for measuring an odor includes a prechamber including an inlet and an outlet, a flow guide pipe disposed in the prechamber and connected between the inlet and the outlet in a predetermined pattern to allow air containing the odor to flow therethrough, a first sensor mounted to the inlet that measures a temperature and a humidity of the air entering the flow guide pipe, a second sensor mounted to the outlet that measures the temperature and the humidity of the air discharged from the flow guide pipe, a first temperature/humidity controller mounted to the prechamber that adjusts the temperature and the humidity of the air flowing through the flow guide pipe, an odor sensor chamber connected to the outlet, and an odor sensor mounted in the odor sensor chamber that senses the odor contained in the air discharged from the flow gui

Abstract: A low-cost soil gas-flux monitor provides localized sensors eliminating the need for a tethered analysis unit and permitting flexible sensor locations enabled by wireless and conduit-less interconnectivity. A housing form factor permits a low-power door actuation for venting making the necessary battery operation practical.

Abstract: In one illustrative configuration, a method of locating an emission source of a target substance at a site is disclosed. The method may include obtaining predicted substance concentrations of the target substance from a prediction model to generate a mapping of a weighted mean of the plurality of the predicted substance concentrations grouped in a predetermined number of feature groups. A simulated plume model is generated for each emission source present at the site to calculate representative circular normal distributions for each air quality monitor. By performing an analysis of the plurality of representative circular normal distributions in relation to the mapping, a target emission source is identified.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analysing air of an indoor environment having a plurality of particle mitigation systems. The system can comprise a particle monitor configured to receive air from the indoor environment to monitor particles, a gas monitor configured to receive air from the indoor environment to monitor a gas, and a control system operatively coupled to the particle monitor and the gas monitor to determine at least one air characteristic, which may include one or more of clean air delivery rate (CADR) for the indoor environment, room air volume, air change rate (ACH) of ventilation for the indoor environment, and mitigation equivalent air change rate (MEACH) for the plurality of particle mitigation systems, or portion thereof.

Abstract: For efficiently generating training data, a main device includes a processor. The processor performs: a wear determination process of determining, in view of an output signal from a sub-sensor provided close to an odor sensor associated with a service user, whether the odor sensor is worn by the service user; a first acquisition process of acquiring an output signal from the odor sensor; a second acquisition process of acquiring type information indicative of a type of excretion of the service user, which has been determined by a service provider; and a training data generation process of generating h includes sensor information indicative of the output signal having been acquired in the first acquisition process from the odor sensor that has been, in the wear determination process, determined to be worn by the service user and which includes the type information having been acquired in the second acquisition process.

Abstract: Described herein is a soft leaf tissue elasticity tester comprising a modified piezoelectric finger (PEF) sensor and a sample pad useful for rapidly and sensitively screening plants for disease by quantifying changes in tissue elasticity and/or stiffness as an indication of plant disease. Also described is a method of screening plants for disease by quantifying changes in tissue elasticity and/or stiffness as an indication of infection. The tissue elasticity measurements used to screen plants for disease may be performed using the soft tissue elasticity tester described.

Abstract: A volatile component released from an epicarp of a banana or an avocado is collected. By using a detector, a detection result of the volatile component is obtained. The detector is configured to output the detection result in accordance with an amount of one or more marker components selected from the group consisting of specific compounds. Based on the detection result, the ripeness of the banana or the avocado is assessed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the cation conductivity of a fluid sample includes a housing having an inlet disposed at a first end of the housing and an outlet disposed at a second end of the housing, the second end opposite the first end, wherein the inlet of the housing is configured to receive the fluid sample. The apparatus includes a first cellulose filter disposed in the housing adjacent to the inlet; a second cellulose filter disposed in the housing adjacent to the outlet; and a cation exchange resin filter disposed in the housing between the first cellulose filter and the second cellulose filter. The outlet of the housing is configured to be fluidically connected to a cation conductivity sensor configured to measure a cation conductivity of an effluent output from the outlet of the housing.

Abstract: A method of analyzing influencing factors of a contribution rate of elastic energy of a top plate during catastrophe of a coal body; the specific steps are: obtaining coal seam gas pressure; according to a drilling histogram, obtaining coal seam thickness and top plate thickness; taking a core on site and processing the core into a standard test piece; obtaining, by means of an indoor mechanical test, elastic moduli of the top plate and of gas-containing coal, respectively; substituting the obtained elastic moduli and thicknesses of the top plate and of the gas-containing coal into a calculation formula so as to obtain the contribution rate of the elastic energy of the top plate; and analyzing the influence of the contribution rate of the elastic energy of the top plate in the two situations of configuring the same thickness ratio and a different elastic modulus ratio and the same elastic modulus ratio and a different thickness ratio.

Abstract: The present invention provides a testing device and method for interface mechanical parameters of natural gas hydrated soil. The interface mechanical parameter testing device for natural gas hydrated soil includes a reaction kettle, a rotating power mechanism, a sample loading mechanism, a pressure mechanism, an atmosphere regulating mechanism, and a temperature regulating mechanism. The testing method for interface mechanical parameters of hydrated soil containing natural gas is implemented based on this device. It can improve the accuracy and reliability of mechanical parameters at the interface of hydrated soil containing natural gas.

Abstract: Hybrid nanopores, comprising a protein pore supported within a solid-state membrane, which combine the robust nature of solid-state membranes with the easily tunable and precise engineering of protein nanopores. In an embodiment, a lipid-free hybrid nanopore comprises a water soluble and stable, modified portal protein of the Thermus thermophilus bacteriophage G20c, electrokinetically inserted into a larger nanopore in a solid-state membrane. The hybrid pore is stable and easy to fabricate, and exhibits low peripheral leakage, allowing sensing and discrimination among different types of biomolecules.

Abstract: Identifying nucleotides using changes in impedance between electrodes is provided herein. In some examples. a method of identifying nucleotides includes sequentially passing, through a space between electrodes, labels respectively corresponding to the nucleotides. The labels may be used to sequentially alter an impedance between the electrodes. The sequential alterations in the impedance may be used to respectively identify the nucleotides. In some examples, a system for identifying nucleotides includes electrodes spaced apart from one another, labels corresponding to the nucleotides, and circuitry coupled to the electrodes. The labels may be passed through the space between the electrodes to alter an impedance between the electrodes. The circuitry may be configured to identify the nucleotides using the alterations in the impedance.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an alcohol sensor, a blower, and an air duct. The alcohol sensor is configured to detect an alcohol component included in exhaled breath of an occupant of the vehicle. The blower is configured to blow air, and adjusts a temperature of the air to be blown out from the blower. The air duct is configured to flow the air blown out from the blower toward the alcohol sensor.